GAUCHO

Pearl

2011-06-14

“Pearl” is the fourth release from San Francisco sextet, Gaucho. You wouldn’t know listening to this that Gaucho is a contemporary band, performing original works. (Except for two covers... “Avalon” by Al Jolson and “Lover Come Back To Me” by Hammerstein/Romberg.) Heavily influenced by Django Reinhart, Gaucho makes gypsy jazz that sounds as if it came right out of a 1930’s Parisian club. More than half the songs on “Pearl” are instrumentals and normally that would suit me just fine; but the vocals are what sets this band apart. Guest vocalist, Tamar Korn, has a voice that’s made for this music. When she’s not singing lyrics, she often mimics the muted trumpet (“Little Sweetie” “Sing On”). Her voice is so unusual that it’s sometimes difficult to distinguish between voice and instrument. (Check out her theramin-like vocals on “Avalon”.) Aside from the vocals, the rest of the band is tight, but relaxed, giving “Pearl” an overall atmosphere of good times. Rebecca Ruth

Quick Links:

More reviews tagged #Jazz

  • reviewed 11/2008

    Lois Deloatch
    Hymn to Freedom: A Tribute to Oscar Peterson

  • reviewed 01/2006

    BURT BACHARACH
    At ThisTime

  • reviewed 06/2010

    REGINA CARTER
    Reverse Thread

  • reviewed 05/2012

    CLAYTON CAMERON AND THE JAZZ EXPLOSION
    Here's To The Messengers: A Tribute to Art Blakey

  • reviewed 02/2010

    CHARLIE HUNTER
    GENTLEMEN I NEGLECTED TO INFORM YOU YOU WILL NOT BE GETTING PAID

  • reviewed 02/2014

    ANTON SCHWARTZ
    FlashMob

Compiled by the WYCE Journalism Club

The opinions expressed in these reviews are those of the individual volunteers that submitted the article and do not necessarily reflect the views of WYCE or GRCMC; nor its staff, donors, or affiliates.